CBD Effects on Brain

CBD, also referred to as CBD, is one of the over hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana. The most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana plants is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabidiol or CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid. The cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids are naturally produced by the cannabis sativa plant. These can interact with the natural cannabinoid receptors in the human body. These receptors along with neurotransmitters form what is known as the endocannabinoid system. Humans and many animals have an extensive and rather complex endocannabinoid system.

The effects of cannabidiol on the endocannabinoid system can cause certain cognitive changes. Unlike THC that gets you high, cannabidiol has no such mind altering effects. It is not psychoactive. THC is the psychotropic substance in marijuana. Cannabidiol only works on cannabinoid receptors and has the ability to reduce inflammation, anxiety and depression. It can also alleviate pain. These are the reasons why cannabidiol is being used in many kinds of therapy. CBD can also prevent or manage seizures.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol can inebriate a user because it activates the CB1 receptor in the brain. This ECS receptor is not activated by CBD. Studies have shown that cannabidiol or CBD can actually prevent THC from activating this CB1 receptor and hence it can counter the inebriation caused. CBD is useful because of the different ways it interacts with the ECS receptors and how neurotransmitters function normally, thus boosting cognitive responses. CBD does not change the chemical composition of the human brain. It does not cause any restlessness or manic episodes. It actually counters paranoia and other cognitive problems.

CBD has many therapeutic benefits owing to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has approved the use of CBD in treatment of epilepsy. Clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of cannabidiol for two rare forms of epilepsy. CBD has neuroprotective, analgesic or pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes make CBD therapeutically valuable. Many people diagnosed with motivational disorders such as anxiety, depression and severe cases of addiction have reported experiencing relief after using cannabidiol. CBD oil can help remedy the withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism.

CBD influences not just the ECS receptors but also others. The human brain has numerous neurons, which are specialized cells with definitive asks. Every neuron is connected with others through synapses. The neurons communicate with one another through neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that serve as messengers. The synapses form the network, the neurons are the senders and receivers of signals and the neurotransmitters are the messages. These activities serve as the foundation for our brain functions and much of the physical and mental capabilities. Even vital functions are influenced by the neurons and their communication.

Neurons can malfunction. This happens usually when neurotransmitters do not convey the right message or the sensitivity of a neuron has been affected for some reason. The receptor may not respond the way it should. The neuron may not function optimally and there can be a cognitive impairment. If plenty of neurons, neurotransmitters and receptors fail to work in perfect synergy, then there will be serious cognitive failures.

CBD can indirectly interact with the receptor systems, most notably CB1 & CB2. Cannabidiol also has the ability to increase the natural production of cannabinoids. The cannabinoids in the human body are called endocannabinoids. The cananbinoids such as cannabidiol found in the cannabis sativa plants are a natural alternative. They are to the plants what endocannabinoids are to animals and humans. The icreased production of endocannabinoids prevent further breakdown by enzymes. If there are fewer endocannabinoids, enzymes can inhibit their growth and break them down before enough is replenished. Hence, cannabidiol restores a key balance in the endocannabinoid system.

CBD can also influence other receptors in the human brain. Cannabidiol can interact with opioid receptors. This is why cannabidiol can provide relief from pain. These are the same receptors that painkillers and other opioid drugs target. CBD does not have any of the side effects associated with morphine or pharmaceutical painkillers. Opioid receptors are also targeted by heroin and other narcotics, which is why they provide the sensation of relief from pain. CBD interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain without any adverse effect. Cannabidiol also interacts with the dopamine receptors. These have a significant role to play in regulating behavior and motivation. Cognition driven by the dopamine receptors determines reward seeking behavior. This is why cannabidiol can help with recovery and rehabilitation post alcoholism and other addictions.

There are plenty of significant effects of cannabidiol on or in the human brain but there is no adverse effect. People do not experience headaches or any kind of paranoia. There is no inebriation, hallucination or other strange cognitive responses. Some people may feel a little dizzy and have suppressed appetite the first few times they use cananbidiol but such mild effects subside as one develops tolerance.

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Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease.